In an ideal world, when consumers go to a store any buy something, they are getting exactly what is being advertised and for exactly the price being advertised. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Often times, companies engage in unfair trade practices that can mislead consumers or deceive them into buying something other than what they expected.
The Consumer Protection Act exists to protect consumers in New York and elsewhere. According to this act, there are certain actions that professionals and businesses cannot engage in to deceive consumers.
False representations about the quality, standard or kind are prohibited under the Act, as are false representations about goods that are reconditioned or are new. In addition to this, businesses cannot falsely represent that their goods have been sponsored or endorsed by an entity that has not done so.
In addition to various other false representations, professionals and businesses are prohibited from bait advertising. This means they are not allowed to offer vehicles or a service related to them at a given price, without intending to provide them. It is also not possible to offer prizes or goods when there is no intention to supply them.
Despite the presence of the Consumer Protection Act designed to protect consumers, unfortunately companies can still engage in unfair business practices. New York residents who believe they have been misled by a business or a professional may want to consider their rights and options when address this and other business torts issues. This will ensure that their rights and interests are protected while they timely address the matter.